SIMs City is a virtual city where original characters can interact with characters from other TV shows, movies, and even books. You make up your own character (OIC, Officer In Charge - in my case, Victoria DiThon Kestral), choose a job, a place to live, and some characters that you OIC. I was the owner of Kenny from Highlander: The Series and Angel from Buffy: The Vampire Slayer. I "lived" in the city for a little over a month (August, 1999), until real life took over and I had to leave, but I enjoyed every moment of my stay!
Disclaimers shall appear at the beginning of individiual parts as there are so many characters. But Victoria belongs to me.
STORY: The Arrival, Part 1
Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated IH, for I’m Here!
Disclaimer: Kane and Pallas belong to me.
Kenny belongs to Rysher. Angel belongs to Mutant Enemy.
August, 1999
Victoria DiThon Kestral sat at the table in her cabin in Wales, waiting for Kane Nalamas and Kenny to get back from their walk in the woods. Dinner was almost ready, and she had nothing to do. No matter what the guys said, she was going to bed early. Victoria was still physically and mentally worn out from summer - one big mess after another, it seemed. “I need a vacation,” she muttered. Soon she heard voices, and Kenny and Kane appeared in the cabin doorway a few moments later. The three quietly finished making dinner and settled down to eat.
Kenny spoke first. “Victoria, what would you say if I asked you to move to a city with me?”
“I’d have to ask if you were out of your mind.” She sighed and looked at him. “Kenny, I am still so tired from the damn adventure concerning Caliburn, and I'm not even going to get into what happened in Miami. Besides, what about Kane?”
Kane Nalamas, her student of nearly two years, shrugged. “I’ve been thinking. You’ve told me a couple times that you were kind of sad that you only had one teacher when you were still training, since it was harder for you to learn as you got older.”
Victoria immediately caught his train of thought. “And so you want a new teacher. I understand, I haven’t been exactly fair to you the last couple of months, what with disappearing to Paris and London-.”
“Oh, no! It’s not that! I already know what Kenny is asking you, and we both agree that this would be good for you,” Kane said.
She glanced at Kenny and raised her eyebrows. “It’s a place called SIMs City,” he explained. “I heard about it a couple months ago, but haven’t had the chance to check it out until recently. Supposedly, Immortals, vampires, mortals, and werecreatures live there together. I wrote the leader of the town a couple of weeks ago and got a reply yesterday. She said I was welcome to come as long as I had somebody to be my OIC.” At Victoria’s blank look, Kenny elaborated. “Officer in Charge. I guess they think I need a chaperone or something. Anyway, I decided to ask you. Interested?”
Staring at him, Victoria asked, “Immortals, vampires, mortals, and weres, huh?” She slowly began to nod. “Sounds like a modern version of Sanctuary. Okay, I’ll try it out. You’re right, I definitely need a chance to just kick back and be myself for awhile.”
Kenny grinned. “Great!”
“What about you?” Victoria asked Kane. “Given any thought to who you want as a teacher?”
Her student nodded. “Yeah, your friend Pallas Minerva.”
“I’ve got a better idea,” Victoria said with a laugh. “Pallas is only a mere fifty years old, she just tells everyone she’s over a thousand. How about her teacher, Theolus Ozcorun? He loves to teach, and I trust him. Besides, they’re both together in California anyway.”
“Didn’t he used to be your boyfriend?” Kenny asked, a sly smile on his face. “Back in the fifties?”
“Yes,” Victoria answered with a straight face. “It’s over now.”
“Of course,” he replied. “Which is why you disappeared down to California, where he just happened to be, without telling anyone last year, right?”
“No, no, no!” Kane said. “That was to go protect Angel, remember?”
With that, Victoria telekinetically picked up their cups of water and dumped them on the boy’s heads. They immediately retaliated by chasing her out of the cabin and right into the pond. Fifteen minutes and a lot of laughter and splashing later, they dragged themselves out of the water.
“So when do you want to leave?” Victoria asked between giggles and gasps for breath.
~~~~~~~~
STORY: The Arrival, Part 2
Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated O for Okay, Now I’m Here!
Disclaimer: Simon Pemberton is from the show
"Cold Squad." Aimee belongs to herself. SimLady belongs to
herself. Justin belongs to me. Gwena and Johnny Utah belong
to StarDancing. Cassandra belongs to Rysher. MistGlow belongs
to DJ Wolf.
A week later, Victoria and Kenny finally arrived in SIMs City. They pulled up in front of the Land Deeds Office in Victoria’s new car. It was electric, as Kenny had told her that that was the only type of car allowed in SIMs City. She had bought it on a whim when she learned that she wouldn’t have to play young teenager. With her height, it was easy to pass for older, but for once she wouldn’t have to worry about it. Victoria jumped out of the convertible and headed into the Land Affairs Office. Passing an empty desk in the main room, she headed for an office in the back. Quietly opening the door, she waited for the occupant to look up. When he did, her jaw dropped in surprise.
“Arthur?” she whispered.
The man looked confused at first but then broke out into a grin. “I guess nobody told you. My name is Simon Pemberton. I’m one of the Sims. You must be Victoria DiThon Kestral.” They shook hands, and Victoria sat in one of the chairs in front of the desk.
“I have to say, I’m kind of in shock,” Victoria said. “And very confused. What’s a sim?”
Simon gave a short explanation and was relieved to see Victoria start to nod in understanding. “You’ll have to ask Aimee when you go over to the Highland Affairs Office. She probably explains it better than I do.”
“Okay,” Victoria replied. “Well, for business. You got my email, obviously. Except there’s one more thing. My charge, Kenneth, really doesn’t want to live in an apartment. Of course, he told me this after I’d sent the email and when we were on the road in the middle of nowhere. And I have a request, too. Neither of us wants to be too near a bunch of people.” She had on a guilty look. “I’m sorry if I’m making this difficult for you.”
“No, not at all,” Simon replied. “In fact, there is a house you might like, even though it’s a bit large. It’s on the very edge of town, and no one seems to want it.” He handed Victoria a sheet of paper with a picture at the top.
She scanned it silently. The top floor had three bedrooms, including a master. Living room, kitchen, and dining room on the main floor. There was even a basement with a den and fourth bedroom. “I like it,” she said. “I’ve always loved big houses. Is it already furnished?”
Simon nodded and handed her a key ring and map. “Congratulations, it’s yours. That’s a map of SIMs City. Feel free to call me if you have any questions or comments about the house.” Victoria thanked him and left the office. She headed back to the car where Kenny was waiting patiently.
“You got your wish, Neth. We have a house,” she announced. “Now we have to go to the Highland Affairs Office, then we can go check the place out.” After consulting the map, they arrived a few minutes later. This time both went in. They headed for the only desk with an occupant. She saw them coming and stood up to greet them.
“Hi, I’m Aimee, Director of Highland Affairs. Lady told me you were arriving today. I was surprised to hear that the infamous Kenny was coming to our little town,” the woman said with a grin.
Victoria smiled back at her. “I was even more surprised to learn he wanted to drag me with him. It’s nice to meet you, I’m Victoria DiThon Kestral, his OIC.” They shook hands took their seats.
“Do you guys already have a place to live?” Aimee asked. She continued when they nodded an affirmative. “Okay, so do you know what type of jobs you would like?”
Kenny answered first. “We’re both going to take some courses at the community college. And I’m willing to do any odd jobs people want me to do. I was kind of interested in working at the zoo part time, too.”
“My best friend Justin suggested that I do some singing,” Victoria said. “I guess I’ll try to get some gigs around town. And I want to teach at the college, too. I did some research and saw there was already a math professor, but my specialty is more into algebra and trigonometry. I’m also good with business math. Plus I can help out in the English department. I have degrees in both subjects.”
“Great,” Aimee said. “Why don’t you get settled in and start advertising after a few days. I’m sure you’ll both be able to do the type of work you would like. I’ll also get you set up with SIMs City Community College, Victoria.” They thanked her and rose to leave when Aimee said, “Oh, wait, I forgot something! Lady put out the word you were arriving a few days ago, and my assistant Gwena left a note for you, Victoria.” She handed over a folded piece of paper.
Victoria took it, but didn’t open it. “Gwena?” she asked. “As in Gwendolyn? Gwendolyn Carter-Utah?” At Aimee’s nod, she sighed. “Oh, great,” she said softly. She slowly opened the paper.
Victoria~
I’m so glad you’re going to be living in SIMs City! Cassandra, Johnny, and MistGlow are here, too, and we’d love to see you. Look us up at Valley View #2 whenever you get the chance.
Also, you might want to go to the Vampire Affairs Office and give a heads up that you’re around. It’s not required, but a ‘just in case.’
See you soon!
Gwena
“Oh, gods,” Victoria muttered. “I so do not need this.”
“What’s wrong?” Aimee asked. Victoria merely shook her head.
“Nothing. I’ll explain later,” she added as an aside to Kenny. She nodded at Aimee and led Kenny back to the car. She slumped in the driver’s seat, put her face in her hands for a moment, and groaned.
~~~~~~~~
STORY: The Arrival, Part 3
Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated S for Surprises
Disclaimer: LaCroix belongs to the show "Forever
Knight." Laurana belongs to me. Jason belongs to Laurell K.
Hamilton. Oz belongs to Mutant Enemy (but his persona of Theolus
Ozcorun belongs to me). Angel belongs to Mutant Enemy. Brynnydd belongs
to herself.
Ten minutes later, Kenny and Victoria arrived at the house. From the outside it looked quaint and unassuming with it’s off white paint and real dark blue shutters against the forest. They each grabbed a suitcase and headed up the walk. Victoria unlocked the door and they walked in. It was exactly as described. The large living room was open and cozy at the same time, separated from the kitchen by a low wall. The kitchen itself was done in light colors with a table for four by the sliding glass door to the backyard. Kenny dumped his load by the front door and ran upstairs with Victoria right behind. At the end of a hallway was the door to the bathroom, and to the right were two bedrooms with large windows with a view of the city in the distance. The master bedroom was across the hall. The back half was the master bedroom with its own bathroom. Another large window looked into the forest. The other half had a desk, armchair, large bookshelf, and smaller window also with a view into SIMs City.
Victoria immediately claimed the master bedroom, so Kenny took the bedroom closest to the hall bathroom. The third was decided to be a guestroom for their many friends who had the habit of dropping by unannounced. After they brought in the rest of their luggage, they checked out the basement. The first room was the den with couch and TV, VCR, and CD player in an entertainment center against the wall. There was another bedroom with it’s own bathroom through an archway with pseudo-French doors.
They met in the kitchen and surveyed with dismay the empty cabinets and refrigerator. “So we’ll go out to eat tonight, and go shopping tomorrow morning,” Victoria said practically. “Besides, I want to check out that Hard Mock Café that I saw on the map, then I have to go to the Vampire Affairs Office.”
Kenny made a face as he followed her out of the house. “You’re going to tell them you’re part vamp? Why?”
Victoria did not mention Gwena’s letter but shrugged as she buckled her seatbelt. “Other vampires can spot me a mile away. I don’t want to cause trouble.”
During dinner at the Hard Mock, they talked to many people wanting to know more about the new arrivals. The two were quite surprised to find that they knew some people. After dinner, Victoria excused her self to say hi to the DJ LaCroix, her friend Laurana’s “grand”-sire. A few minutes later, Jason the werewolf walked entered the room dressed in his signature black leather. He silently approached Victoria, a mischievous grin on his face. LaCroix glanced at him once, then pretended not to notice. Finally the conversation ended, and Victoria felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. When she turned, Jason put both hands on the back of her neck and pulled her down for a deep kiss. She started in surprise, then obliged him. There was scattered applause, and finally Victoria pulled away, utter shock on her face.
“Umver! What are you doing here? I thought you were still in St. Louis!” Victoria cried.
“Tria, Tria, Tria,” Jason replied. “Since when do you or Oz ever tell me where you go?”
Victoria rolled her eyes. “Stop with the names, Jason, no one knows what the hell you’re talking about.” Their names (Tria and Umver) came from a triumvirate created by a minor demon that wanted Guardians while he slept. The third member was a werewolf/Immortal named Theolus Ozcorun.
“Okay. But you started it,” Jason pointed out with a grin. He received a light punch in the shoulder for his trouble.
“You lovable idiot,” Victoria said fondly. “I have to go now, but I’ll look you up later and we can catch up.” They hugged again, and Jason disappeared into the crowd on the dance floor.
Victoria found Kenny and told him she was going over to the Vampire Office and would pick him up on the way home. She went out to the car and arrived at the office a few minutes later. She headed for the door, relieved to see the lights were still on inside. Pushing it open, she heard a familiar voice.
“…So if nobody is going to be my OIC, there’s really no point in staying around,” Angel said to who Victoria assumed was the Director of Vampire Affairs. “I’ll head out tomorrow night. Bye.” He turned around and was startled to see Victoria standing there.
“Victory?” he asked cautiously, using her vampire name. The last time they had met had not ended well, especially since he had been without a soul and trying to kill her at the time.
“Angelus?” she replied with a mocking grin. Angel smiled and opened his arms, and she all but flew into his hug. “Oh, Angel, I’m so glad you’re back,” she whispered softly.
“Me too, love,” he replied. They drew apart when they heard a slight cough.
“That was very touching,” said the Director. She looked at Victoria. “But I hope you don’t mind me asking who you are?”
“I’m Victoria DiThon Kestral.”
“Brynnydd. But you can call me Brynn.” They shook hands. “Are you new to SIMs City?”
“Yeah, I just got here today. I’m Kenny’s OIC,” Victoria replied. “But the reason I’m here, though, is to report in. While I’m Immortal, I’m also part vampire.”
Brynn gave her a confused look. “How did that happen?”
“Me,” Angel responded quietly. “It’s a long story, but I’m her sire. Her name in the vampire community is Victory.”
“Okay,” Brynn said with a nod. “Thanks for letting me know.” She caught Angel’s eye, then glanced pointedly at Victoria. He smiled slightly when he realized what she was getting at.
“Victoria,” he said slowly. “I know I have no right to ask this after what happened in Sunnydale-.”
She had pretended not to notice the silent conversation, and knew exactly what he was getting at. “Bullshit,” she said calmly. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“Okay, then could you be my OIC, too?”
Victoria smiled at him. “Of course, Angel. You can even move in with Kenny and I, we’ve got plenty of room.”
“Thank you, Toria,” Angel replied sincerely.
“Always,” she said. They said goodbye to Brynn and left the building. Victoria gave Angel the address to the house and left to pick up Kenny and warn him they had another roommate. Angel picked up the rest of his luggage from his old place and met them at the house. Leaving Kenny to show Angel the basement bedroom, Victoria went upstairs and collapsed onto her bed, utterly exhausted.
~~~~~~~~
STORY: The Arrival, Part 4
Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated W for Worries
The next few days were a blur of activity. After Kenny, Victoria, and Angel finished settling in, they had dubbed the house "Griffon Place," after the mythical hawk/lion creature. On a whim, Angel and Victoria were designing a coat of arms to hang above the gas fireplace in the living room. The three quickly had daily schedules to follow, too.
Victoria and Kenny got up at around noon and headed for SIMs City Community College. They both had classes in Archaeology and Anthropology. Kenny also had two fine arts classes. Victoria taught a Business Math class and assisted in the English Department whenever she was needed. She also found herself tutoring students in algebra and trigonometry. After school, they did any shopping needed to be done for the day. Angel usually got up a little before sunset to help with other chores. The three mainly ate at home, unless Victoria had a gig at the Hard Mock Cafe. Her old Celtic songs and modern rock were an instant hit in the City, especially with her talent to mimic artists like Jewel, Sara McLachlan, and Six Pence None the Richer. Then Kenny had an evening job helping out at the zoo, while Victoria went home to prepare for the next day's classes. They usually went to bed between three and four in the morning. Angel was night manager at the Holodeck, and he came home before sunrise.
About two weeks after they arrived in SIMs City, Kenny called a meeting of the roommates. Victoria did not have a gig that evening, so the three were eating dinner at home (spaghetti and fruit salad for the Immortals, a bottle of blood for Angel).
"What's up, Neth?" Victoria asked, using her nickname for him, as she finished putting the food on the table and sat down.
"You are what's up," he replied evenly. Victoria raised her eyebrows, but remained silent. "You told me about the note Gwena left you, but you still haven't gone to see her. She keeps asking about you whenever I see her at the zoo."
Victoria was silent for a few seconds. "Okay, fine. Here's the story. But I don't want it repeated, because it's not exactly public knowledge." Angel and Kenny both nodded their assent. "Angel, did you hear about those renegade vamps who went after a group of people a few years back?" He nodded again. "So did I; Laurana Thompson told me about it. She suggested that we go after the renegades, but I said no. She wasn't going to unless I did, so that was the end of it." She took a deep breath. "Eventually, the people destroyed the vampires on their own, and that's when Laurana found out who it was. Gwena and her three bondmates."
"So what's the problem?" Kenny asked innocently.
She gave him a long-suffering look. "Well, the problem is that they all now have massive phobias about vampires, Justin found this out and told me. They knew I was part vamp before it happened, but I care about them too much to want to cause them any pain."
Angel reached over and grasped her hand. "But they want to see you."
"I'm scared, though," she admitted. "Scared that when they see me, they'll remember what I am, and be repulsed by me. Gwena's the closest thing I have to a mother, and I don't ever want to lose her."
"You'll never know unless you speak to them," Angel replied, giving her hand a squeeze.
"That's not the point, though," Victoria said. "I knew what was happening, and I could have done something, but I didn't. I'm partly responsible for what happened to them." She closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, she said, "Kenny, next time you see Gwena, tell her I've just been really busy and that I'll come see her as soon as I can." He and Angel both gave her disapproving looks, but said nothing, and dinner was finished in silence. Victoria then disappeared up to her room.
She collapsed onto her bed and rubbed her temples. "This was supposed to be a vacation," she muttered. She got up again and sat at her desk, switching on the computer. She did some homework until she heard Angel and Kenny leave for the zoo and the Holodeck.
After listening to the silence for a few minutes, Victoria finally gathered all her nerve, and then some. She picked up the phone and dialed a number from memory. Someone answered after only two rings.
"Hello? Johnny Utah speaking."
Victoria slammed down the phone and stared at it for a few seconds. Then she put her face in her hands and cried.
STORY: A Problem at Griffon Place, Part 1
Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated C for Concerns
Disclaimer: Jean-Claude and Asher belong to Laurell K. Hamilton.
Lestat and Louis belong to Anne Rice. Nicholas Knight is from the
show "Forever Knight."
Angel stole into Victoria’s room one evening while she was downstairs making dinner. Logging onto the net, he hastily wrote a message to two other members of SIMs City. Angel needed help with a problem, and there weren’t many people he could go to for advice.
To: Jean-Claude, Asher
From: Angel
Subject: I need your advice, please
Jean-Claude and Asher-
Hello, my name is Angel, and I would like your advice. I am one of the other vampire residents in SIMs City, and my OIC is Victoria DiThon Kestral, who is also part vampire (I am her sire). My problem is with her.
When Victoria arrived in SIMs City, she discovered that four good friends of hers also lived here. She is very afraid that if they talk with her, they'll "remember" that she is part vampire, and shun her. Lately I have noticed some changes in her. When I sit in the living room and read with a bottle of blood, she will leave the room. And whenever she sits at her computer and begins to type, she will consciously reduce her speed. The same when she is sparring with her other charge, Kenny. Victoria keeps holding back on the natural speed and strength that vampirism has given her.
I am worried about her, but do not know how to talk with her about this. Could one or both of you respond with your thoughts on this matter to me? I would greatly appreciate it. Feel free to email Victoria, too, if you think it would help. Thank you.
~ Angel ~
Victoria’s sire switched off the computer and went back downstairs to enjoy another strained dinner with his roommates. Hopefully the other two vampires would respond soon.
Three days later, there had still been no response. Angel paced the living room, unsure about what to do with Victoria. He was worried about her, really worried. He’d begged a list of SIMizens from Brynn, but there were really no other vampires he could talk to. He did not think LaCroix and Lestat would even speak to him, Nicholas Knight was completely against his own vampirism, too, and Victoria had made the comment earlier of not wanting to meet Louis because he was involved with Cassandra. It was time to take matters into his own hands.
~~~~~~~~
STORY: A Problem at Griffon Place, Part 2
Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated S for Surprises
Disclaimer: Crystal belongs to SimLady. Silas belongs to Rysher.
Darla and Drusilla belong to Mutant Enemy.
“Crap! Angel, she’s back already!”
“What-? Help me get them downstairs, hurry!”
Victoria pulled into the driveway beside Griffon Place and got shakily out of the car. She was surprised she had been able to get home in one piece. She had been at the Hard Mock Café discussing the music she was going to use for her next set with the DJ when Cassandra and MistGlow walked in. Knowing that if she stayed she would probably be cornered and forced to talk, Victoria had run into Crystal’s office. Thankfully, Crystal had been very understanding when Victoria had remembered her appointment to tutor someone in trig. She felt bad about lying to Crystal, but it was that or run the chance of loosing four very good friends. Victoria disappeared out the back and high-tailed it out of there.
Unlocking the front door, Victoria walked in and saw Kenny and Angel sitting in the living room. Kenny was sacked out on the couch reading, and Angel was at the drawing board on the coffee table working on the coat of arms he and Victoria was designing for Griffon Place. She knew them both well enough to know they looked too innocent. Something was up.
“Hey, guys,” Victoria said amiably as she headed for the kitchen for something to drink and some Tylenol. Her head was killing her.
“Hi, love,” Angel said. “How come you’re back already?”
“There wasn’t much of a crowd, so Crystal let me off early,” Victoria answered, lying through her teeth. “What’s up with you guys?”
“Nothing,” Kenny said. “Just hanging out.”
Victoria headed back into the living room. Passing the stairs, she stopped. “What was that?”
Angel looked up at her. “What was what?”
She turned and looked down into the stairwell. Giving the guys a suspicious look, she gestured with her hand, using her telekinesis. The door to the basement swung open, and a mass of fur ran up the stairs. “By the gods!” Victoria exclaimed. Angel and Kenny smiled at her innocently, surrounded by cats. “What’s with the cats? Where’d you get all of them?”
“Kenny’s and one of mine are strays, the other three we got at Silas’ Pet Store. Do you like them?” Angel said. He knew full well that Victoria adored cats.
“I don’t know, introduce me first,” she replied, trying to hide her glee with sternness.
“Okay,” Kenny said, picking up two of the cats. “The tabby is Blaire, and the calico is Psycho. I found them both, and Angel’s black, hanging around the zoo looking for free food.”
Nestled in Angel’s lap were a black cat and a white one. The black looked noticeably shabbier than the white. “This one,” the vampire said, hosting the black onto his shoulder, “is Darla. The white is Drusilla.” Darla was his vampire sire, and Drusilla was one of his “children.” Angelus had made her go insane before turning her.
Victoria rolled her eyes. “How appropriate.” The two remaining cats were cautiously approaching her, looking for attention. She dropped to her knees and started to lavish it upon them. Both looked Siamese, vaguely. “Hi, little ones,” she crooned.
“Silas gave us those at a discount,” Angel explained. “They didn’t look enough like true Siamese.”
Their new owner examined them. One had colors that blended together instead of being distinct. The other had green eyes and white hind legs. “Hmm. As long as they’re getting named after scary stuff,” Victoria said, picking up the green-eyed one, “you’ll be SunDescending, after Laurana. And you’re DarkRising, after Justin.” Laurana was one of her best friends, another Immortal/vampire like her, and SunDescending was her name among the vampires. Justin was Victoria’s closest friend in the world, and had been Laurana’s student. The vampires had named him DarkRising when it became obvious that he and Laurana were complete opposites. “Argh! I can’t even be mad at you! I love cats!”
“We know,” Angel said dryly. “It was Kenny’s idea, actually.”
“This house is kind of empty, and Angel and I thought you needed cheering up. So we thought, and came up with getting some cats. I’d been seeing Blaire, Psycho, and Darla around the zoo, and Gwena wanted to find them some homes.”
Victoria froze at the mention of Gwena, reminding her again why she’d left work early. Angel started to speak, but she cut him off. “Don’t start. Please, I don’t want to deal with that now.” SunDescending hopped onto her shoulder, and she gathered DarkRising into her arms. Carefully standing up, she headed upstairs.
“You have to deal with it sooner or later, Toria!” Kenny called. Victoria ignored him and shut the door to her room.
~~~~~~~~
STORY: A Problem at Griffon Place, Part 3
Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated D for Deals
Disclaimer: Duncan MacLeod belongs to Rysher.
It was about eleven in the morning when Victoria felt someone gently brushing her hair out of her face. Since she had stayed up later than usual playing with Darkie and Cending, as she now called them, she rolled over and burrowed further underneath the covers. “Go ‘way. ‘S to early to get up.”
“Wake up, love,” Angel said softly, leaning over her. “I have to talk to you.”
She cautiously opened one eye, even though she knew the room would be dark. Angel had cybered up some drapes before entering. “What do you want? Why are you awake anyway?”
“I couldn’t sleep. I’m worried about you, Victoria.” This surprised her. Angel rarely used her real name. Usually it was “love,” “Toria,” or “Lara,” the name she had been going under when they first met. Occasionally, he even called her by her vampire name, Victory. “You’ve been avoiding Gwena and the others, and I can tell that it’s eating you up inside. I know you, love, and I don’t think they would reject you.”
“But you don’t know them,” Victoria said softly. Glancing over her shoulder to see Angel, he could see the anguish in her eyes. “I don’t want to take the chance.”
“If they love you, which I think they do from what you’ve told me, they’ll be able to see beyond your vampirism. It’s not that obvious anyway.”
“Johnny’s a werepanther and Glow’s a werewolf. They can smell it.” She turned back over and buried her face in DarkRising’s soft coat.
Angel leaned closer to her. “I’ll make you a deal. Spar with me tonight. If you win, I’ll never bring it up again. If I do, you have to go over to Valley View number two and talk with them. Gwena at the very least, if not all four of them.” He brushed her cheek with his lips, giving her a soft and reassuring kiss. “Think about it, love.” Then he was gone, making the drapes disappear with him, and leaving Victoria blinking in the sudden light.
~~~~~~~~
That evening, Victoria was at the drawing board. Kenny was still at the zoo, and Angel had gone out somewhere. She picked up a small pen and added some more detail to her griffon. All three were different “species,” representations of themselves. Angel’s griffon was a great horned owl and panther, Kenny’s was a red-tailed hawk and tiger, and Victoria’s had the head of a peregrine falcon and body of a black cheetah. All three creatures wound around each other, as if caught in a never-ending dance. Darkening another cheetah spot to an even deeper black, Victoria sighed.
She knew she should really be warming up for her spar with Angel when he got back. They had talked it over during dinner, and the two had come up with the rules. It was to be exactly like a fight between Immortals, stopping right before one of them would lose their heads, or after any other type of death. Victoria was not looking forward to it, and Angel knew it.
The door opened, and both her roommates entered. Kenny immediately ran upstairs for a quick shower – he stank from cleaning at the zoo. Angel placed a package on the coffee table, gesturing for Victoria to open it. It contained two swords. She raised her left eyebrow in question.
“I’m not fighting you if you use your own sword. I get too many cuts with that silver-steel alloy of yours and I’m screwed,” he said. “And my sword isn’t strong enough to counter yours anyway. So I stopped by the Dojo and borrowed these from Duncan MacLeod.”
Victoria nodded. “Okay, fine. Are we going to do this, or not?”
“As soon as Kenny gets done,” Angel said. Victoria picked up one of the swords and went into the backyard for some hasty warm ups. Angel merely opened the refrigerator for a bottle of blood and sat calmly drinking it outside. Victoria turned her back on him with a grimace.
“Okay, guys,” Kenny said when he appeared. “I still don’t like this, but I won’t interfere unless it gets out of hand.” His sword was right beside him. “So go ahead, have at it.”
Sire and Childe took up their swords and met in the center of the backyard, with only the porch light to see by. Victoria shut down all her vampire senses, instantly regretting it when Angel attacked.
He struck right through her in a blur of vampire speed. Victoria did not even have time to defend herself. Looking up at Angel in shock, she sank to her knees and toppled over with his sword through her chest. Then her vision dimmed, and she knew no more.
~~~~~~~~
Victoria jerked awake with a gasp to see Angel and Kenny staring down at her. She was on the couch with a ratty quilt under her. “Don’t. Say. Anything,” she said hoarsely. “You won, Angel. I’ll go see Gwena and the others.”
Angel nodded. “Okay. But there was another point to this, too.” She rolled her eyes, but nodded at him to continue. “You’ve had your vampire abilities for over a hundred years. And now you’re trying to shut them down. Your body doesn’t know how to work without them anymore. I had to prove this to you before you got a real challenge.” She nodded, tears streaming down her face. Kenny quietly left the room, and Angel held Victoria, trying to comfort her.
But I’m so scared, she thought, burying her face in Angel’s shoulder. What if they still reject me? I don’t think I could stand that. I know I couldn’t.
~~~~~~~~
STORY: A Problem at Griffon Place, Part 4
Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated E for Embarrassment.
A big thanks to ‘tilla for helping me out with this part!
Angel sat at the computer cleaning out his E-mail’s trashcan when he stumbled across a message:
Msr. Angel,
We are unfamiliar with both you and your Childe, monsieur but we would be pleased to assist if we but could. It is something new to us to find a Childe who OICs her sire. Most frequently it is the sire who should control the Childe, is this not so? We are confused somewhat by your statement that she is *part* vampire. How came this to be? We either *are* vampire or we are not. Until this day we had heard nothing of those who may share only a portion of that which we are.
Did not these 'friends' know she was vampire before coming to this place, Msr. Angel? If they did, in fact, why should that memory cause them to shun her now? True friends would accept, would they not? You must remind her of this. Those who were her friends in truth before shall remain so. If they reject what she is, they were not friends *then* either.
Remind her, too, that to reject what you *are* is the height of folly. You gain nothing by it and will only lose a portion of yourself. We are given these Gifts for a purpose, Angel, as you know, and those who hide their gifts (unless to preserve their lives) stand to lose them. Much, I think, as an artist who wields not the brush for too long will lose what skill he possessed. It would be well for you to show her how dangerous such action (or non-action) might be.
If you wish *us* to speak with her, we would do so though I cannot think our words would bear much weight if yours do not.
Au revoir, monsieur, and may He who gives us life watch over you both.
Jean-Claude & Asher
Angel looked over the rest of the messages in the trashcan and came to the conclusion that Kenny had been using his email again and accidentally deleting messages that came through for Angel. He made a mental note to himself to yell at the brat and set up an email account just for him. He was also profoundly embarrassed at what the two vampires must think of him for never responding. Angel quickly remedied that fact.
Jean-Claude and Asher,
I’m very sorry not to have replied sooner. One of my roommates, Kenneth, has been using my email account behind my back and accidentally deleted your message.
>We are unfamiliar with both you and your Childe, monsieur but we would be pleased to assist if we but could.
That’s not really a surprise. I’m an “outcast” among the vampires of my kind, and Victoria has decided not to openly show her vampirism. But she has not tried to cut it off completely until now. But I do remember Victoria mentioning once that she is a very good friend of Jason’s. He’s never mentioned her?
>It is something new to us to find a Childe who OICs her sire. Most frequently it is the sire who should control the Childe, is >this not so?
Neither of us really cares. I do not try to force her to pay me the proper respect as her sire and know fully well that if I tried, she would be out of my life before I could even blink. It’s not worth it.
>We are confused somewhat by your statement that she is *part* vampire. How came this to be? We either *are* vampire >or we are not. Until this day we had heard nothing of those who may share only a portion of that which we are.
Yes, *we* are. But Victoria was an Immortal for over a hundred years before I met her. A freak accident forced her to feed me her blood so I could regain strength. I accidentally took too much, and “gave some back.” We did not notice any changes for months. A friend of ours, Laurana Thompson is also “part” vampire and shares many traits. Her Immortal first death was being made into a vampire. They, however, are the only two that I am aware of.
>Did not these 'friends' know she was vampire before coming to this place, Msr. Angel? If they did, in fact, why should that >memory cause them to shun her now? True friends would accept, would they not? You must remind her of this. Those >who were her friends in truth before shall remain so. If they reject what she is, they were not friends *then* either.
I have. Repeatedly. I think I’ve finally managed to pummel it into her thick skull, though.
>Remind her, too, that to reject what you *are* is the height of folly. You gain nothing by it and will only lose a portion of >yourself.
This, unfortunately, I know from experience.
>We are given these Gifts for a purpose, Angel, as you know, and those who hide their gifts (unless to preserve their lives) >stand to lose them. Much, I think, as an artist who wields not the brush for too long will lose what skill he possessed. It >would be well for you to show her how dangerous such action (or non-action) might be.
Last night, I did prove this to her. I “challenged” her as another Immortal might, and the fight was over in an instant. I am an amateur swordsman against her at best. But last night she refrained from using the speed and strength that has been a part of her for over a century. That’s the only reason I won.
>If you wish *us* to speak with her, we would do so though I cannot think our words would bear much weight if yours do >not.
If you would like to, I don’t mind at all, but that is a very good point.
>Au revoir, monsieur, and may He who gives us life watch over you both.
And to you.
~ Angel ~
After sending the message, Angel sat back in the desk chair. Now it was up to Victoria.
DRABBLE: NO PANTS PARTY: Minor Confrontations
By Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated S for Sympathy
Notes: This takes place at the Labor Day party. SIMizens contribute
bits and pieces, Drabbles, to make up a larger story. This was mine.
Victoria and Angel headed for the entrance to the Hard Mock Cafe. From the sounds, the party was just getting started. They had seen Jean-Claude and Asher enter as Victoria parked. "I can't believe you convinced me to wear this," Victoria muttered, pulling her shawl closer to her. She was dressed in a royal blue silk mini-dress with an open back. Hence the reason for the silk shawl with tropical flowers printed on it.
Her charge laughed. "You said yourself it was the only thing you had to wear. Don't blame me."
She raised her eyebrow at him. Angel was wearing a black silk shirt and what he had claimed was an Irish kilt. "I'm not blaming you, I'm merely commenting that I hate wearing short skirts." Angel grinned at her and escorted her inside.
Lady was quite happy to check Angel, but there was a bit of a fuss when it was Victoria's turn. Most SIMizens had completely forgotton about Victoria's apparent age, her height and maturity only adding to the effect. But Ian Tully and Duncan MacLeod had definitely *not* forgotten and refused to touch her. "It wouldna be proper," Duncan insisted.
Jason solved that problem. Pushing through the crowd, he went over to Victoria. Giving her a quick peck on the cheek, he proceeded to do the honors, tickling her quite thoroughly in the process. When she was all but doubled over laughing, he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the stage. "Sing," he ordered.
Still giggling, Victoria tossed her hair over her shoulder and hopped up onto the stage. Danny had just put in a new cd, but she gestured at him not to change it. Everyone in the club turned toward her as she did something completely unexpected. Gyrating to the music, she started singing harmony with Mark McGrath.
"Someday,
When my life has passed me by,
I'll lay around and I'll wonder why-
You were always there for me.
One way,
In the eyes of a passerby..." (Someday, Sugar Ray)
After effortlessly doing two more songs, both chosen by Danny who tried to stump her, she finished "Beautiful Stranger" by Madonna and left the stage. Rufus handed her a small glass of red wine at the bar, and Victoria wandered around. She was happy to see Angel talking with a group of people and not hanging around by himself. She made a mental note to herself to dance with him later.
Spying a lone figure standing by the wall, she headed over. "Hello," she said softly. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Victoria DiThon Kestral."
Asher was startled to see her, but covered it up. He wondered if Angel had sent her over...no. Shaking his head slightly to hide more of his face with his hair, he nodded regally. "No, we have not. I am Asher."
"It's nice to meet you," Victoria replied with a sincere smile. Reaching out with a hand as if toward his face, she hastily stopped herself. "Why do you - no, that's hypocritical of me. I'm sorry to have bothered you."
She started to turn away but was stopped by a gentle, but firm, hand on her shoulder. "Why do I what, child? And why would you be hypocritical?"
Victoria turned back towards him and grimaced slightly. "I was about to ask why you hide your face. 'Cause you're not the only one with physical scars such as those, Asher," she added with a wry smile. Spinning in place, she dropped her shawl to her wrists and let him see her back.
His eyes widened slightly as he surveyed the scars, similiar and yet different than his own. First was a mass of whip marks, covered by a group of elaborate designs obviously engraved with a knife, which still shone a deep red. "What are those, child?" he asked softly.
"Satanic symbols," she said dully, replacing the shawl and turning back around to face him. He saw that her eyes were a mixture of sadness and fury. "I got them a little over a month ago. They won't heal, no matter what I do. So please don't feel too sorry for yourself, Asher. I'm guessing your scars are at least physically painless. Mine aren't." Giving him a shy nod, she walked away.
Asher watched as Angel grabbed her to dance. His eyes shifted focus as Duncan walked toward him. "You were talking to Victoria? Talk about a little brat, huh?" Duncan said.
The Vampire nodded slowly, glancing back at the apparent girl. "Yes," he replied absently. "A brat."
~~~~~~~~
About an hour later, Victoria was getting bored. Angel was having a grand time, so she decided to sneak out without him noticing. Leaving a note for him at the bar with Rufus, she ducked out the front door. Setting off through the dark city at a leisurely walk, she let her mind wander, wondering where some of her other friends were...
Let's see . . . last I heard, Justin was down in Australia. He mentioned something about a horse show when I called last, so he'll probably be down there for awhile. Elizabet's still in Europe, probably Paris. The RoseBlades had justed started another of their infamous wars last time she emailed me. What was it this time? - Oh yeah, whether or not to extend their territory to New York City. That'll keep Beta wrapped up for at least another few months. Kenny's here with me, obviously. Laurana might still be down in Florida, I haven't heard from her in awhile. Kane is in California with Oz and Pallas. I hope they're doing okay, I haven't spoken with Oz late-
She was startled out of her thoughts at the sound of a low growl. Looking around, Victoria realized she'd reached the edge of the city. Standing in the middle of the road leading up to Griffon Place was a white wolf. "MistGlow?" Toria whispered softly. The wolf made a low whimpering noise deep in his throat. Victoria dropped to her knees in shock as the wolf approached her. She cautiously reached out a hand to touch the side of his face, but he shrank back.
"MistGlow, I'm sorry. I can't help being what I am. Please accept me?" The wolf merely stared at her, then sniffed the wind and bounded away.
Victoria slowly raised to her feet and continued up the road. Maybe Angel was wrong. What if her family didn't want her anymore?
Two hours later, Kenny arrived home from the zoo, where he'd been putting in some extra hours. "Toria! I met the most awesome guy at the zoo with Gwena, a werewolf! I swear I've learned more about canines in the last four hours from MistGlow than in the last eight hundred years. What?" He finally realized Victoria was looking at him oddly.
"Did you say . . .four hours?"
Kenny nodded. "Why, what's wrong?"
Victoria shrugged. "Oh, nothing."
DRABBLE: Apologies
Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated A for Apologies
Monsieur Asher-
I made the grave mistake of telling my esteemed sire Angel of our conversation at the party, and he insisted that I email you and apologize. Since he doesn't insist on a lot, I figured I'd better do it. Angel feels that I "rubbed your scars in your face." I asked him whether that made any sense even to him, but he just gave me one of those Looks. Anyway, I digress.
I truly am very sorry for the way that I acted when I didn't even know you. The number of people who know about my scars has now reached the grand total ten, including you (but as I said, I've only had them about a month, though). I don't know what prompted me to reveal them to you, and I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings or caused you discomfort in anyway.
I don't know if you are aware of this fact, but I, too, am part vampire (long, long story), and have had this fact rammed into my head quite painfully recently. But not by any means that would affect the rest of this wonderful city, I assure you! I know that Angel has been emailing you and your brother Jean-Claude, and I would be happy to get to know you better, also. Angel was rather insistent that I email you even before the party though, do you know anything about this?
Again, I'm very sorry.
~ Victoria DiThon Kestral
STORY: A Message From the Night
By Johanna/Victoria DiThon Kestral
Rated G for Good-byes
"HELP...Toria!...Help...me!"
Victoria jolted upright in bed as the remnants of the message echoed in her mind. She shook her head forcefully, but she still heard it, vaguely. Whatever it was, it wasn't her imagination. That meant it could only be one thing - Justin.
She jumped out of bed and ran to the phone, hastily dialing the number to the place in Australia. It was mid-morning there. "Ring...ring...ring" After fifteen rings, she slammed the phone back down. Cursing softly under her breath, she headed down the hall to Kenny's room.
"Wake up, Kenny!" she said, shaking his shoulder. He sleepily opened his eyes and glanced at the clock.
"What? It's only three in the morning! I just fell asleep!"
"Something’s wrong with Justin. I'm leaving for Australia as soon as possible. Do you want to come?" Kenny shook his head no, and Victoria nodded. Both knew there would be no hard feelings.
She packed quickly and sat down to write some emails. First, to Lady:
Lady,
I'm sorry, but I have to leave SIMs City. Somehow I know that my brother Justin is in trouble and there was no answer at our place in Australia, where he should be. I have to leave immediately. I enjoyed my stay here immensely, but with my terminal bad luck, I should have known it wouldn't last. Please take care of Angel for me, and make sure he gets a new OIC. He deserves to stay here.
I'll miss everyone here, and again, thank you for letting me live here, if only for a short time.
Victoria DiThon Kestral
*****
Angel, my love,
I have to go. Justin's in trouble, and you're the one who told me to never disregard my gut feelings. Stay in SIMs City, you deserve the peace and happiness that this place brings. I love you, always and forever.
Victory
*****
Asher,
I hope you got my email. Again, I'm very sorry. I'm leaving SIMs City to help my brother Justin. I don't know if I'll ever be back, but I'll always remember you, even though we didn't really get to know each other. Stay strong, and may your life bring you peace. You, of anyone I know, deserve it.
Victoria DiThon Kestral
*****
She switched off the laptop and packed it, then quickly wrote a note to Angel on a piece of scratch paper to send all her belongings to Elizabet Aspen in Paris to put into storage. Then she hand wrote a letter to one more person. She would deliver it on her way out of the city. Grabbing her suitcase, she headed downstairs. Kenny was waiting for her, bag in hand. "Took you long enough," he said. "Let's go. Justin needs us."
Victoria smiled at him. "Thank you, Kenny. I know you probably want to stay."
He shrugged. "Can't let you go racing off by yourself. You'd get yourself killed, and then where would Justin be?"
They got in the car, and drove down into the city. Pulling up in front of Valley Veiw #2, Victoria slipped a letter into the mailbox. Gazing sadly at the townhouse, she blew it a kiss. "Bye, Mom. Good luck," she whispered. Getting back in the car, she and Kenny drove off into the night. Neither noticed a black panther and white wolf that watched them go from the shadows next to the house.
*****
To my mother, Gwena,
I'm sorry I never had the courage to come see you. I have to go rescue Justin from whatever he's gotten himself into now, but I'll look you up when we get through with this next adventure. Tell Cassandra, Johnny, and Glow hi for me and that I love them.
Look up the vampire Angel. He is my sire, and would very much like to meet all of you, the rest of my family. He can give you the whole story of why I didn't see you while I was in SIMs City.
Wish me luck, I'm off!
Love, always and forever,
Victoria
~finis~
Well, that was my SIMs City adventure! If any Simizens ever happen upon this page, tell everyone that Johanna says hi, and Victoria's doing great. *g*
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This page was last updated: 2.17.4 ~jlg~